Even though it’s getting late, you’re glued to the latest Netflix show and can’t seem to turn off the television. We’ve all been there — and experienced the puffy eyes that often ensue the next morning. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Courtney Rubin explains that puffy eyes are essentially fluid retention in the delicate surrounding tissue and multiple factors can be at play, including genetics, salt intake, stress, crying and even your sleep position. Thankfully, we can make skincare and lifestyle tweaks to help prevent puffiness from showing up and treat it when it does.
Ahead, Dr. Rubin and medical aesthetician Candace Marino chime in with their best tips for reducing puffiness at home, including not-so-obvious ones, too.
MASSAGE THE EYE AREA
Another way to get the stagnant under-eye fluid moving is by massaging the eye area in the morning. To do this, Marino recommends using your index and middle fingers — ensure your hands are clean! — to gently tap the area around the eyes and encourage blood flow. Circling the eyes about three times should suffice. Be careful not to tug or drag the skin as you do this.
GET QUALITY SLEEP
If your eyes are tired and puffy because you haven’t been sleeping well, consider this your friendly reminder to step up your sleep hygiene. After all, there’s a reason why it’s referred to as beauty sleep. “Getting adequate sleep is the key to all things health and beauty,” Marino says. “Our bodies function optimally and we look healthier when well-rested.” Dr. Rubin echoes the advice, “our skin and body are in healing and recovery mode overnight, so getting enough sleep is critical to looking and feeling our best.”
“THE APPLICATION OF COLD TO SKIN CAUSES THE UNDERLYING BLOOD VESSELS TO CONTRACT, DELIVERING LESS FLUID TO THE TISSUE AND LEADING TO AN IMMEDIATE TIGHTENING EFFECT.”
SLEEP ON AN EXTRA PILLOW
Consider sleeping on an extra pillow. Why? Dr. Rubin says sleeping at a slightly more elevated angle allows gravity to encourage lymphatic drainage from the face while you sleep, helping reduce morning puffiness.
CUT BACK ON SALT
Dr. Rubin also explains that consuming excessive salt during the day can also lead to fluid retention, which results in feeling and looking more bloated, eye area included.
“GETTING ADEQUATE SLEEP IS THE KEY TO ALL THINGS HEALTH AND BEAUTY.”
PLACE TEA BAGS ON THE EYES
Love a good skincare DIY? Marino suggests applying a cool teabag to the eyes to help reduce puffiness. In particular, she recommends a chamomile tea bag for its anti-inflammatory properties.
USE COOLING SKINCARE TOOLS
Cold therapy is another excellent way to reduce puffy eyes. “The application of cold to skin causes the underlying blood vessels to contract, delivering less fluid to the tissue and leading to an immediate tightening effect,” Dr. Rubin explains. “Through this process, cryo-sticks [also known as ice globes] and cold compresses can help to immediately de-puff the eye area, and can also reduce redness and swelling.” Plus, using cooling tools like ice globes feels so good on the skin.
SKIP EYE CREAMS AT NIGHT
Eye creams are a must in any skincare routine. However, if you’re prone to waking up with puffy eyes, Marino recommends applying them only during your morning skincare routine. “Most eye creams help to lock in hydration, but for those who suffer from puffy eyes, locking in hydration may lead to more puffiness,” she says.
